EDDIE CONTENTO

VP, CHOP DAWG

USA

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO COME ON REMOTE YEAR?

I wanted to step outside of my comfort zone and see the world. I love to network, and the idea of traveling with a group of other ambitious, successful remote workers really excited me.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON FOR THE YEAR?

I am constantly working to keep my clients with Chop Dawg happy and grow that business, launching a breast cancer research non-profit, and turn my vlog into something so valuable it becomes a way to finance my travels.

WHERE HAVE YOU LIVED/TRAVELED TO PREVIOUSLY?

I've only lived in the United States. I've traveled a lot of the States, a little bit of Canada, Norway, and Mexico.

HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF A REMOTE ROLE?

I've been running the design operations at Chop Dawg since I was 17. I've always been remote.

DESCRIBE YOUR REMOTE YEAR EXPERIENCE IN 3 WORDS.

Change your life.

WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR TRAVEL COME FROM?

My passion for travel comes from a hunger for the unknown. Travel is exciting. I thrive off the energy of others and when traveling I get to meet and experience so many new and exciting personalities.

WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?

No two days are the same. Some days are a lot of working at my laptop. Some days I’m wandering and exploring the city I’m in. Some days I’m running through the set of the tv show HOMELAND. Some days I’m getting into trouble with my camera.

HOW DO YOU THINK TRAVELLING WILL AFFECT YOUR CURRENT WORK?

My best work is inspired work. Inspired work for me is dependent a lot on my environment and the energy around me. Back in Jersey, I thought I was happy; I thought I was motivated. After just one week on Remote Year I thought, "How the hell haven't I done this sooner? This is amazing." I can't imagine going back to that life. I'm the happiest and most inspired I've ever been in my life.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?

Making the most of the limited, conscious time I have on this rock.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY.

I like to start my day with whatever the locals have for breakfast. Grab a few friends and explore the city. Speak at least 2 different languages at some point throughout the day. Wander and take pictures for a few hours. Participate in some sort of competitive group activity before lunch. More food. Work on my projects and reaching my goals, including some sort of creative collaboration with friends. More wandering. More food. Relax and socialize in the evening. More food.

YOUR FAVORITE DIGITAL NOMAD HACK?

Kindness.

WHO DO YOU HOPE TO BE BY THE END OF REMOTE YEAR?

I want to be Eddie Contento, that YouTuber that travels to unique places and experiences really cool shit.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BEING A DIGITAL NOMAD?

Timezones and distractions, for sure.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF BEING A DIGITAL NOMAD?

Life somehow feels slower and faster all at the same time. I can pack my days with interesting things to do which makes them fly by. Yet, reflecting back on one weeks sometimes feels like an entire month's worth of life experience.

Also, networking and collaboration is incredible.

WHAT BOOK SHOULD EVERYONE READ?

Creativity, Inc.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS LOOKING TO BRING TRAVEL INTO THEIR LIVES?

If you have an opportunity to travel — whether it's because you have a remote job, a lot of savings, or you're super resourceful — then DO IT. Do it at least once. Experience something outside of what you know. Master assimilation. Grow as a person. Learn from the world. The kind of perspective I’ve gained from travel is not something that can be simply explained. You have to experience it — you have to feel it to understand.

3 THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT ON THE ROAD?

Laptop, Internet, Camera

IF YOU HAD TO BE STUCK ON AN ISLAND WITH ANOTHER REMOTE, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

I wouldn't mind being stuck on an island with Angela Sandall. We're close in age and she makes funny faces.